Which Is Best An 110Vac Or Central Vacuum for New and Remodeled Houses?

There are a few things to take into consideration when one is buying a central vacuum system. One of the primary considerations is whether to procure a system requiring 120 volt power or a system requiring 220 volts. The actuality is we should narrow the arena even further. For example there is a 220 Vac vacuuming system and 240 Vac system . So it is important to grasp what you are asking of your local central vacuum dealer.

Motor Differences Between 110 and 220 Versions

The motors are not the same in the 220 and 110 versions of central vacuum systems. The motors are wound differently, the transformer is different, the mini-breakers are different, and the cord and wiring are different. As you can see it is essencial to define for your contractor carefully which motor you desire.

Differences Between 110/120 And 220/240 Vac

Sometimes 120 volts is referred to as 110 volts or 115 volts. Furthermore, 240 volts is referred to as 220 volts or 230 volts. Central vacuum manufacturers construct motors in all those ranges. The options are the 120 and 240 volt motors, not the 110 or 220 volt motors.

The 120 and 240 motors will not be harmed if operated with lower voltages. The 120 volt motor will be hunky-dory on 110 volts. And a 240 volt power unit will be fine on 220 or 230 volts. The other way around will harmfully affect the motors. A 220 volt power unit would be "damaged" if used for long amounts of time on a 240 volt circuit. And the same can be said for a 110 volt operating on 120 volts. The bigger voltage operate very well in any variation of 50-60Hz.

Which is The Best?

The answer to that question hinges on the manufacturer. For example, MD Manufacturing reveals these specifics about their production units. For the most part, their motors have very comparable performance stats between the voltages. Their 120 volt Silent Master S5, for example has 139 water lift and 191 CFM with a peak of 905 Air Watts. The 240 volt version has 136.4 water lift and 190 CFM with a high of 866 Air Watts. These numbers are incredibly close.

Operating Cost

The cost to operate a 240 volt vacuum unit can undoubtedly be less than its 120 volt coequal because legs of the electrical power are being used simultaneously. However, the 120 volt version may not be wasting much power if the opposite circuit is being used by lights or other appliances simultaneously. In the worst case scenario, the 120 volt version might cost 12 cents per hour more to operate. Yes, there is a divergence here, but one must weigh-in several other considerations.

Cost Of The Electrician

As you presumedly know electricians charge a set fee for each 110-120 outlet they install. Generally it is dictated by a flat fee of around $40 to $60 per duplex depending on the area in which one lives. Wiring in a 220-240 outlet requires tying both 110Vac electrical legs together and special NEPA® plugs. Apparently wiring your central vacuum system for 220-240 Vac will incur more expense. Far more 120 volt vacuums are sold considering they largely plug into any 20 amp electrical outlet and have plenty vacuuming power.

Unit Life Expectancy

They feel that the 120 volt versions of the vacuum power unit will last longer. They have a higher amount of copper and thus the heat has a sure-handed ability to disperse. In addition, 120 volt power units are also much simplier to find replacements for as they are common motors in the industry. The 240 volt version motors are not used very often and vacuum shops aross America do not normally stock them. They would almost always stock 120 volt power units.

Plugged Into The Incorrect Outlet?

What occurs when a 240 volt motor is accidently plugged into 110 and 110 into 240? If you plug a 120 volt unit into a 240 volt circuit and immediately turn the motor on it will run with a monstrous amount of suction. The power unit will be running very fast! If it is running very long the power unit may fly apart. The transformer will likely burn out before that occurs. When the transformer burns out the motor will shut down. If one basically replaces the transformer the system will be restored back to stable operation.

If you departed the jobsite without testing the vacuum and later found that the new system did not function correctly, then it is probable the electrical contractor powered it up with 240 volts. Just staying in the off position the unit will burn out the transformer in 3-5 minutes or less.

Plugging a 240 Volt Unit Into 120 Circuit

If you plug a 240 volt unit into a 120 volt duplex, it will not run correctly. The great news is that neither the transformer nor the motor will be disentegrated. It will only be running at half speed.

Plausible Plan of Action

I would like to offer my multiple years of experience as a Security / Low-Voltage Contractor and hand you a very great plan of action. If you install the system yourself you will save thousands of dollars. To install your own central vacuum you will first need to know exactly what components are required. What are the top two or three brands to consider? Where is the best location to purchase your pipe? What type of wiring needs to be pulled in the walls of your home? You are going to need a book to lead you through the process.

Installing Multiple Systems

It has been my experience that when people are considering one system for their new or remodeled home, they are likely considering other technologies as well.. It would be in your best interest to have installation guides on each technology you would like to include in your house. Read them all then buy your components, special tools, and wiring so that they are all on the job site ahead of your proposed start date.

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